The thermometer outside our window here in Maine confirms it’s still winter, but thanks to Maine-based painter Sarah Knock that hasn’t stopped us from dreaming about spring and warmer weather. Sarah’s painting “Near Birch Island” is L.L.Bean’s spring 2013 catalog cover – in customer mailboxes this week.
"Near Birch Island" by Sarah Knock
Sarah is best known for her unique interpretations of the Maine coast and its landscape, and she often can be found kayaking along the coastline looking for her next inspiration. The idea for “Near Birch Island” came one day as Sarah kayaked around Harpswell and Freeport, Maine.
Longtime L.L.Bean fans may find Sarah’s work very familiar. We featured her paintings on four catalog covers in 1994. These catalog covers continue to be L.L.Bean customer and employee favorites.
L.L.Bean catalog covers spring and summer 1994 by Sarah Knock
L.L.Bean catalog covers fall and Christmas 1994 by Sarah Knock
One of Sarah’s paintings, featured on our fall 1994 catalog cover, hangs in a central viewing spot at L.L.Bean’s Freeport corporate offices.
The use of original artwork featuring images of the Maine coastline and outdoor sporting pursuits for our catalog covers is a longstanding tradition at L.L.Bean. Flagship store customers can now view and enjoy every catalog cover from our 100-year history.
L.L.Bean vintage catalog covers on display at the Freeport store
Represented by Greenhut Galleries Portland, Maine, Sarah Knock has had her work exhibited at Colby College, the Portland Museum of Art, the Farnsworth Museum, the Penobscot Marine Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art. She is also the recipient of an individual fellowship from the Maine Arts Commission and Carina House Residency on Monhegan Island.
You’ll find images of L.L.Bean catalog covers past and present on our Pinterest Board. Do you have a favorite L.L.Bean catalog cover? If so, let us know in the comments below.
Jacques Mathieu | January 25, 2013 | 9:22 pm
My favorite is “Happy mother’s day” with the Bear family crossing the river on a log. I have also a special request: the 1988 spring catalog cover with a hydroplane on a lake, and a small cottage if I remember well. I would like to see it again, and if possible, buy a copy of that cover. Thank you for my request. I am customer since about 1980.
Patricia.Ryan | January 30, 2013 | 9:01 am
Good for Sarah, Love the scenery and her concept of it. What beauty in the landscape put on paper!! Just lovely– I love to draw and haven’t in many years for some reason or another. Good for you that you have, –and developed your talent. It’s really beautiful.
Good Luck
Pat Ryan
Lake Ariel, Pa.
P.S. Every one tells a story!